Fishing and Iguazu Falls

A whole day was spent waiting hungover on the couches of Milhouse Avenue in BA for a bus to leave for Goya in the Corrientes Province in North East Argentina. Here we would be spending two days at a fishing lodge in the San Isidro wetland area trying to catch Dorado, South america's version of the tigerfish.

We got onto an overnight bus and arrived at around 5 in the morning at a stop on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. We got off and were greeted by the lodge owner Mario,( who we now know could possibly talk the biggest load of shit in the world).  We got to the lodge at first light and saw that this really was going to be such a beautiful place. The lodge stands alone in an area of bush surrounded by cows and horses, much to Rob's delight, with the river a mere 20m away. At breakfast we were greeted by Poocho, one of the coolest dogs alive, some type of Terrier with a long shaggy brown coat. After this we would head onto the water to see if we could entice any of these golden beasts to our lures. 

Dorado Cua Lodge at Sunrise

The San Isidro Wetland

The fishing took place on a 6 metre aluninium boat guided by a nice guy called Alfredo who had a great sense of humour although he did not understand a word of english. This sense of humour was apparent when he said we were fishing for ducks and monkeys with the three of us throwing countless lures into reeds and trees! The birdlife was unbelievable to witness in this reserve with hundreds of different species being seen as we weaved through the narrow waterways. The actual fishing was a little disappointing as water levels were very high from rain the previous week. However over the two days we managed to land around 12 of these Dorado and lost about the same number. They are a hard fighting fish with a very bony mouth, thus very hard to keep hooked as they go absolutely buckwild jumping in the air countless times.

                           

The boys with a few of their catches.......

Although the fishing was not amazing, it was really nice to get away from the city and into the country for a bit of a break. We were fed extremely well by the cook Marie Louisa as well as fed a great deal of bullshit stories from Mario who was very entertaining. Another amusing thing was the fact that Horse battled to understand Mario's english. Many comments from Rob resulted in blank looks from the Argentine, with Chunks and myself choking on our pieces of steak trying to keep a straight face!

Hearing some stories at dinner from the salty seadog Mario

On the second evening we were dropped off at Goya to catch a bus onto Posadas and then to Puerto Iguassu. We arrived at the Hostel Inn round lunch time and started making plans to head to the National Park to see one of the Seven New Natural Wonders of the World, the Iguassu Falls. At 2.3 km long it is longer than Vic Falls, and at over 80m, higher than Niagra Falls in the US.  

Perspective shot of Iguazu Falls

We arrived at the Park at round three, puzzling  not exactly sure what to expect. Eventually we were given a map and shown where to go. We caught a train to Gargante del Diablo (the Devil's Throat) and began the kilometre long walk over bridges on the Rio Parana. The smoke from the Falls was visible from the start and the rumbling noise over millions of litres tumbling down every second, grew closer with every step. Hordes of drenched tourists were retreating and we were once again not sure what to expect.

Words actually cannot describe the noise and commotion of the mass of water crashing over this gorge. It is truly unreal as the water splashes up from nearly  a hundred metres below, soaking everyone and everything!
After witnessing this we went on a walk to other parts of the falls which were as impressive.

Horse and Chunks drenched from the spray of the Falls

The next morning we crossed into Brazil at Foz do Iguazu and missioned around to organise our bus tickets that would get us to Rio, a trip that would take us a solid 24hrs! Our dear friend Rob was having none of this idea and vanished without a trace from the bus terminal. With his phone not working we were left stranded with no bus tickets or accommodation in Brazil. Horse arrived back an hour later to show us three flight tickets already booked and paid for, irrationality at its best. We then organised to stay at a place called Hostel Natura way out of town on a small farm.

Taking it easy at Hostel Natura

Horse and his new friend "Master"

The Lonely Planet book preached about its laid back vibe, hammocks by the dam and awesome caparihnas. It most certainly didn't disappoint as we lazed about in the sun, listening to reggae and sipping on these legendary Brazillian caparinhas for almost three days. We were even taught the secret to concocting Brazil's national  drink made with fresh limes, cachasa (a type of cane spirit), sugar and crushed ice, by the barman. It really was an awesome way to have a good chill out session before the ensuing chaos that Rio Carnival would produce!